Hello everyone.
Once again, this article is directly written by Inateno, for the sake of simplicity in writing.
In this new update, we will discuss the demo and closed beta.
First and foremost, if you are eligible to participate in the beta because you supported us on Kickstarter, please check your Kickstarter private messages to complete the process and receive your "beta" Steam key.
In any case, the demo will be publicly accessible to everyone starting at 6 PM, French time.
Demo Content
The demo lasts from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on your level of play. It allows you to battle 1 mini-boss and explore several areas of the game along with various mechanics.
We would like to showcase more in this demo, but it's always challenging to calibrate a demo to the right length. We won't hesitate to update the demo, whether it's to fix bugs or add content if we deem it necessary.
Beta Content
Initially, the beta will have the same content as what was accessible during the playtests. Everything has been fixed and improved, but despite that, we know there are still imperfections. This initial phase will help us address many issues while preparing the upcoming game zones that still have many bugs.
After everything runs smoothly in this initial version, we will progressively open up new areas, extending the duration and content of the beta.
Theoretically, it is possible to face 7 bosses at the moment, but some maps that lead to them are not operational. Therefore, we need to place temporary barriers to prevent you from falling into the endless void.
We are doing our best to provide you access to as much content as possible.
In summary, for now, it is possible to confront 2 mini-bosses and 1 boss, with a gameplay duration of 1 to 3 hours.
Unfinished Areas: Please note that, for the time being, the beta's content is quite complete and finished. However, in the upcoming updates, you may arrive in levels that are empty or sparsely decorated. This is not a bug.
On the other hand, if you spot a floating tree, a misplaced pixel, or something "out of place," please do not hesitate to report it! Creating a game of this magnitude with our artistic direction is quite a challenge, and it's common for us to make very small mistakes.
How Long Will the Beta Last (Final Release Date)
As of today, the game's release is expected in late October. However, time is moving forward, and we realize everything that's missing in the game to make it as great as we want it to be. Therefore, we will be updating the game's release date on Steam in a few weeks.
We don't know exactly what the final date will be yet, and there's also the matter of console porting. We want to do our best to deliver the game to everyone simultaneously (or at least with the least possible wait time).
So, the beta will last for at least one month and will extend as long as necessary because we want to balance, refine, and improve the game with your feedback.
If the beta's duration becomes too long, we will open access to all our backers and potentially everyone. Early access is therefore being considered. Please feel free to give us your feedback; it is essential to us.
How to Effectively Participate in the Beta (and Demo)
As you know, the term "beta" is a bit of a catch-all these days. Our team wants to use the beta as a real means of communication with you. If we need to postpone the game because we realize, thanks to your feedback, that certain things are not working at all, we will do it.
To participate effectively, you need to know how to analyze a bug or an unusual situation. So, I will try to give you some tips on how to report bugs/suggestions effectively!
Firstly, a "bug list" will be made available on Discord and on the Steam forum. You should consult it before reporting a bug; this will help us save time (and thus release the game faster).
When you identify a bug, you must be able to reproduce it and describe "how" you manage to reproduce it; this is the most challenging step.
In your beta version, you will have access to certain developer tools to help you report problems. To do this, go to the Options menu and activate the developer mode.
The O key (not zero but the letter) will allow you to display the technical name of the map you are on, along with other data.
The P key will enable the "hitbox" mode if you encounter problems with collisions.
You can combine P and O.
Once the bug is identified, you will need to report to us the name of the map where the bug occurred.
The "hitbox" mode should only be used when you think there is a problem; this mode is heavy and not optimized. Moreover, it's a bit like cheating, which, in our opinion, spoils the gaming experience.
What Is the Schedule for the Beta
We don't have a precise schedule; we work on the game every day and release updates as often as possible. We estimate being able to provide a regular update every week and a major update every month.
I've filled out the Kickstarter survey; when will I receive my rewards?
We sent you the survey recently because we needed your contact information to send you the Steam key. Not everyone has responded yet, but you should receive the email with your key today (for beta participants).
Regarding "physical" rewards, there will be a delay. You should know that a physical edition for a console requires a minimum of 6 months of lead time, once the game is completed and approved by the manufacturers. We can't do anything to speed this up, so you'll have to wait until 2024 for physical editions. Digital editions on consoles, on the other hand, require 2 to 3 months once the game is completed, so you will also have to wait until 2024.
As for other types of rewards, we are already working on them (while also finishing the game; rewards are not our top priority). We are considering the possibility of making two separate shipments to deliver the rewards as soon as possible (but this is not guaranteed).
Additionally, if you have the opportunity to meet us at a physical event, we will give you the rewards that are already available at that time. We will announce our events as they come up.
Here is list from the Kickstarter forms:
- 2023 - France - Toulouse Game Show, at Toulouse - November 25-26th 2023
- 2024 - USA - CA - GDC, at San Francisco - March 18-22 2024
- 2024 - France - TGS Montpellier, at Montpellier - April 6-7th 2024
- 2024 - France - TGS Springbreak, at Toulouse - June 1-2nd 2024
- 2024 - Germany - Gamescom - August 21-25 2024
Live Stream / Content Creators?
If you start a live stream or create a video or post something about the game, please let us know, and we will be happy to share it!
It's time to open the doors of Noreya, and we rely on all of you to talk about it, invite your friends to try the demo, and give us feedback.
We want to finish this game with you, and together, we will undoubtedly create an incredible game.
On behalf of the entire team, I would like to thank you once again for your trust and patience.